Published on: January 11, 2025 / Update from: January 11, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
PV registration requirement: From February 1st, the ZEREZ registration requirement applies to new solar system operators - creative image: Xpert.Digital
PV registration requirement from February 2025: How ZEREZ is modernizing the photovoltaics industry
Introduction of the ZEREZ requirement for new solar systems
From February 1, 2025, an innovation will come into effect for operators of photovoltaic systems that is intended to simplify grid connection in the long term and at the same time accelerate the expansion of renewable energies. The so-called ZEREZ obligation – named after the “Central Register for Unit and Component Certificates” – fundamentally changes the previous registration process for PV systems. The goal behind this is to digitally record all system data relevant to safe and reliable operation and to simplify access for network operators, manufacturers and installation companies.
More about it here:
What is ZEREZ?
ZEREZ was created to ensure uniform quality and safety testing of all components in photovoltaic systems and other generation systems. Inverters in particular, but also battery storage systems or combined heat and power plants, are recorded in the register under this regulation. In the past, it was usually sufficient to submit individual certificates to the network operator, which was often associated with time delays and sometimes a lot of bureaucratic effort. With the ZEREZ requirement, however, only digital recording is necessary, which makes the entire process faster and more efficient. Operators thus benefit from a more structured process: Above all, they must ensure that their system certificates or unit certificates are stored in the register and have a unique ZEREZ registration number.
Advantages of the ZEREZ obligation
Anchoring the register in the German energy landscape is a big step towards greater transparency and security in the power grid. In the future, network operators will be able to see at a glance whether all components of a system comply with standards and meet the prescribed standards. This not only speeds up the grid connection itself, but also strengthens confidence in the amount of electricity fed in from decentralized systems. In addition, possible weak points are identified more quickly: systems whose technical data is incomplete or whose components have missing evidence can be clearly identified in the register. Those responsible can react immediately before risks to network stability arise.
Impact on private households and commercial businesses
The topic is particularly relevant for private households and smaller commercial businesses because photovoltaic systems are no longer a niche product. Falling module prices, government subsidies and growing awareness of climate protection have ensured that more and more people are investing in solar energy. From the perspective of many system operators, the ZEREZ requirement may initially sound like additional bureaucracy. In fact, there is a simplification behind it that promotes smooth operation as well as possible conversions and maintenance. Anyone who needs quick help in the event of damage or a malfunction benefits from a central database that provides information about the relevant certificates and components at the touch of a button.
Standardization and unification of requirements
Another advantage is the standardization of requirements. Larger systems that feed significantly more electricity into the grid are naturally subject to stricter regulations than small photovoltaic systems. They often require a comprehensive system certificate to prove the technical suitability of the entire system. ZEREZ reflects this difference, but still ensures a common database in which both the unit certificate of a simple balcony module and the system certificate of a solar park are stored. This creates clear structures for everyone involved.
Digitalization of the energy industry through ZEREZ
With a view to the digitalization of the energy industry, the step towards mandatory registration in an online portal is an important milestone. The register will also open the door to new technologies in the future: for example, battery storage, intelligent electricity meters or charging stations for electric vehicles will be visible via the same system. In the future, the interaction of all these components could be controlled even more specifically, for example to smooth out load peaks or to maximize household consumption. The transparency in the register makes it easier to establish such smart grid concepts and to make the energy supply more flexible and stable overall.
Procedure for new system operators
If you want to install a new PV system, you don't have to worry too much about excessive administrative effort. For many private roof systems, the installation company usually takes care of the registration. For newly planned systems, it is advisable to make sure when purchasing the components that the manufacturer already offers ZEREZ-compliant documents. You can also check on the official ZEREZ website whether a desired inverter or other component of the system is already listed.
Future of the energy transition with ZEREZ
The energy transition will continue to gain momentum in the coming years. New power generators such as balcony power plants or a variety of storage solutions now complement conventional photovoltaic systems. This is accompanied by an increase in decentralized feed-in, which helps shape the power grid. The ZEREZ obligation creates a uniform standard that maintains an overview and minimizes potential conflicts, for example in performance regulation. Operators can rely on the fact that certified components are not only safer, but also more sustainable - a factor that is becoming increasingly important in long-term investments in renewable energies.
Long-term benefits and quality assurance
Overall, the advantages of a structured and simplified registration requirement clearly outweigh the additional initial effort. The database ensures greater reliability of PV systems, simplifies maintenance and repairs and makes a decisive contribution to the stability of the power grid. The same applies to the integration of new technologies, which will be able to find their way into private and commercial systems more easily in the future thanks to the clear regulatory framework. The ZEREZ obligation not only serves safety and quality assurance, but also strengthens the major goal of a comprehensive and sustainable energy transition. Anyone who informs themselves in good time, compiles all the required certificates and professionally supports the registration process can look forward to the deadline of February 1, 2025 with confidence - and make optimal use of the advantages of a modern, future-proof PV system.
Digitalization and standardization of the grid connection process
The introduction of the ZEREZ requirement marks significant progress for the photovoltaics industry and the entire energy sector in Germany. The digitalization and standardization of the grid connection process not only reduces bureaucratic hurdles, but also significantly improves the security and efficiency of the power grid. PV system operators benefit from simplified registration, faster grid connection and higher grid security. At the same time, the ZEREZ obligation supports the integration of new technologies and promotes the growth of renewable energies. Overall, ZEREZ makes a significant contribution to successfully driving forward the energy transition and shaping a sustainable energy future.
Suitable for:
Your global marketing and business development partner
☑️ Our business language is English or German
☑️ NEW: Correspondence in your national language!
Konrad Wolfenstein
I would be happy to serve you and my team as a personal advisor.
You can contact me by filling out the contact form or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) . My email address is: wolfenstein ∂ xpert.digital
I'm looking forward to our joint project.